Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards of August 2025
Updated: Aug 8, 2025
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No-annual-fee travel credit cards offer rewards for no yearly cost of card ownership. This can be appealing to frugal or infrequent travelers. Keep in mind, however, that these cards lack the richer rewards and perks of cards that do charge annual fees. For some travelers, paying an annual fee is worth it thanks to incentives like travel credits, bonus rewards, airport lounge access, free checked bags, priority boarding, hotel status and more.
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and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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No-annual-fee travel credit cards offer rewards for no yearly cost of card ownership. This can be appealing to frugal or infrequent travelers. Keep in mind, however, that these cards lack the richer rewards and perks of cards that do charge annual fees. For some travelers, paying an annual fee is worth it thanks to incentives like travel credits, bonus rewards, airport lounge access, free checked bags, priority boarding, hotel status and more.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
No-annual-fee travel credit cards offer rewards for no yearly cost of card ownership. This can be appealing to frugal or infrequent travelers. Keep in mind, however, that these cards lack the richer rewards and perks of cards that do charge annual fees. For some travelers, paying an annual fee is worth it thanks to incentives like travel credits, bonus rewards, airport lounge access, free checked bags, priority boarding, hotel status and more.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
No-annual-fee travel credit cards offer rewards for no yearly cost of card ownership. This can be appealing to frugal or infrequent travelers. Keep in mind, however, that these cards lack the richer rewards and perks of cards that do charge annual fees. For some travelers, paying an annual fee is worth it thanks to incentives like travel credits, bonus rewards, airport lounge access, free checked bags, priority boarding, hotel status and more.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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NerdWallet's Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards of August 2025
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card: Best for All-around rewards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: Best for Flat-rate rewards
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card: Best for Rewards on rent payments
Discover it® Miles: Best for Simple rewards + matching bonus
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost: Best for Capital One miles
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®: Best for AAdvantage miles
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Best for Delta miles
The New United Gateway℠ Card: Best for United miles
JetBlue Card: Best for JetBlue points
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Best for Marriott points
Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best for Hilton points
Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Best Western rewards
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Best for IHG points
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®: Best for Choice Hotels points
One Key™ Card: Best for Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
Citi Strata℠ Card: Best for Customization and flexibility
Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles BoostApply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Capital One miles | $0 | 1.25x-5x | 40,000 miles | Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit CardApply Nowon Bilt's website on Bilt's website | Best for Rewards on rent payments | None | 1X-3X | N/A | Apply Nowon Bilt's website on Bilt's website |
 Wells Fargo Autograph® CardApply Nowon Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for All-around rewards | $0 | 1x-3x | 20,000 points | Apply Nowon Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 The New United Gateway℠ CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for United miles | $0 | 1x-2x | 20,000 miles | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for AAdvantage miles | $0 | 1x-2x | 15,000 miles | Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
 One Key™ CardApply Nowon Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo | $0 | 1.5%-3% | $300 | Apply Nowon Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for IHG points | $0 | 1x-17x | 80,000 points | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express CardApply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Delta miles | $0 | 1x-2x | 10,000 miles | Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Marriott points | $0 | 1x-14x | 30,000 points | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Discover it® MilesApply Nowon Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Simple rewards + matching bonus | $0 | 1.5x | Discover Match® | Apply Nowon Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
 Hilton Honors American Express CardApply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Hilton points | $0 | 3x-7x | 100,000 Points + $100 Statement Credit | Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Citi Strata℠ CardApply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Customization and flexibility | $0 | 1x-5x | 30,000 points | Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
 Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit cardApply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Flat-rate rewards | $0 | 1.5x-3x | 25,000 points | Apply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 Choice Privileges® Mastercard®Apply Nowon Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Choice Hotels points | $0 | 1x-5x | 60,000 points | Apply Nowon Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 JetBlue Card | Best for JetBlue points | $0 | 1x-3x | 10,000 points | |
 Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card | Best for Best Western rewards | $0 | 2x-4x | Up to 40,000 Points |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Our pick for: Capital One miles
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn a bonus of 40,000 miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $400 in travel
- 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR; this product does not have an introductory APR period, 4% fee on amounts transferred at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost features a rich welcome bonus for a $0-annual-fee product. It can be ideal if you book the majority of your travel through Capital One’s portal or can make use of the issue’s transfer partners.
Rewards: 5 miles per $1 spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5 miles per $1 spent on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1.25 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn a bonus of 40,000 miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $400 in travel..
The ongoing APR is 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR.
Miles can be redeemed for statement credit against any qualifying travel purchases with any travel brand.
It’s possible to transfer miles to partners.
No foreign transaction fee.
The ongoing rewards rate is lower than what some other travel cards offer.
Our pick for: Rewards on rent payments
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- $0 Annual Fee
- Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Earns 3x points on dining, 2x on travel, and 1x on other purchases
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
- Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
- Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
- Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
- Other features and benefits include: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Purchase Security, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, Cellular Telephone Protection, and Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Select Apply Now to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
If you’re a renter who also loves to travel, the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card is a worthy option with a unique premise: It lets you earn rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee — or an annual fee, for that matter.
Rewards: Earn 1 Bilt Point per $1 spent on rent (up to 100,000 points per calendar year); 5 points per $1 spent on Lyft; 3 points per $1 spent on dining; 2 points per $1 spent on travel; and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Those rates, except for rent, are doubled for purchases on the first day of every month ("Rent Day"). Terms apply.
Flexible redemption options, including using points to book travel via Bilt or transferring them to various partner programs, including United Airlines, Marriott and Hyatt.
No foreign transaction fee.
You must make at least five purchases per month with the card to earn significant rewards (otherwise, you’ll earn a flat 250 points for your rent payment and no rewards on any other purchases that cycle).
No intro APR offer.
No welcome offer.
Our pick for: All-around rewards
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph® Card features solid upfront incentives — including a welcome bonus and introductory APR window — and earns rich ongoing rewards in a variety of useful spending categories.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel, dining, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Other spending earns 1 point per $1.
Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months from account opening, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR.
Redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards or eligible PayPal purchases.
No foreign transaction fee.
It’s possible to find a longer introductory APR window on other travel credit cards.
You can transfer points to airline and hotel programs, but the options are limited compared with other credit cards.
Our pick for: United miles
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 20,000 bonus miles
- 0% intro APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases & no annual fee.
- 2x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
- Earn 2 checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The The New United Gateway℠ Card isn’t the most valuable airline card in its class, but it can offer United Airlines loyalists the opportunity to earn rewards toward their next vacation, and the annual fee is $0.
Rewards: Earn 2 United miles per $1 spent on United purchases, as well as at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, and 1 mile per $1 on other spending.
Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, and then the ongoing APR of 20.49%-28.99% Variable APR.
Earn 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with the card.
No foreign transaction fee.
No priority boarding or automatic free checked bag benefit, as you might find on cards with annual fees. (You can earn two free checked bags after spending $10,000 on the card in a calendar year.)
The card earns modest rewards overall.
Our pick for: AAdvantage miles
Card details
- Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from date of account opening for balance transfers only. After that the variable APR will be 20.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- Balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each credit card balance transfer, whichever is greater. Balance Transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
- Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
- Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
For occasional but loyal American Airlines flyers, the $0-annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® is a cost-effective way to earn miles on everyday purchases.
Rewards: Earn 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent at grocery stores and on eligible American Airlines purchases, and 1 AAdvantage mile for every $1 spent on other purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 20.24%-29.24% Variable APR
Discount on in-flight food and beverage purchases made with the card.
No free checked bag benefit, as you might find on cards with annual fees.
The card earns modest rewards overall.
There's a foreign transaction fee, which could get costly if you frequently travel internationally.
Our pick for: Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
Card details
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn $300 in OneKeyCash™ after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia®, Hotels.com® and Vrbo®. To learn more, please refer to the One Key Terms and Conditions at www.expedia.com/one-key-terms.
- Earn 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, 3% in OneKeyCash at gas stations, grocery stores, and on dining and 1.5% in OneKeyCash on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- Get Automatic Silver tier in the One Key rewards program with savings of 15% or more with Silver Member Prices on over 10,000 hotels worldwide. Unlock Gold when you spend $15,000 per calendar year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The One Key™ Card is ideal for Expedia deal-seekers and offers a fair amount of value and perks for travel and everyday purchases, especially since there's no yearly cost for holding it.
Rewards: Earn 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo; 3% in OneKeyCash at gas stations, grocery stores and on dining; and 1.5% in OneKeyCash on other purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn $300 in OneKeyCash™ after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia®, Hotels.com® and Vrbo®.
Automatic Silver tier status within the One Key rewards program.
No foreign transaction fee.
You're locked into earning and redeeming within the Expedia family, which also includes Hotels.com and Vrbo.
OneKeyCash expires if you don’t make an eligible booking at least once within 18 months. Other travel rewards cards don’t impose this requirement.
No intro APR offer.
Our pick for: IHG points
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 80,000 Bonus Points
- No Annual Fee
- Earn up to 17 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Redeem 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The $0-annual-fee IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card earns rewards quickly on IHG hotel stays and eligible everyday purchases. Points are redeemable at hotels and resorts such as InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, EVEN Hotels, Indigo Hotels and Holiday Inn.
Rewards: Earn up to 17 points total per $1 spent on stays at IHG hotels (5 points with the card, 10 points as an IHG Rewards Club member, 2 points via the IHG Silver Elite status you get with the card); 3 points per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations, eligible monthly bills, and restaurants; and 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Bonus Points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Get a fourth night free when you redeem points for a stay of four nights or more.
No foreign transaction fee.
Points can expire if the account is inactive for 12 months.
No intro APR offer.
No annual complimentary night, as you might find on cards with annual fees.
Point values are relatively low compared with other hotel credit cards.
Our pick for: Delta miles
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay with Miles: take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a good option for Delta devotees who want rewards and in-flight discounts without paying an annual fee. Terms apply.
Rewards: Earn 2 Delta miles per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide and on purchases made directly with Delta, and 1 mile per $1 spent on other purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Terms Apply.
Get a 20% discount on in-flight purchases in the form of statement credit when you use the card to buy food and beverages. Terms apply.
No foreign transaction fee.
Terms apply.
No intro APR offer.
The card earns modest rewards overall.
If you’re willing to pay an annual fee, other airline credit cards can potentially offer free checked bags or priority boarding.
As an American Express card, the card may have limited acceptance abroad.
Terms apply.
Our pick for: Marriott points
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after qualifying purchases.
- Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
- Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
- Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
- 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
- Pay Yourself Back® - Redeem Marriott Bonvoy® points for a statement credit to cover qualifying travel purchases made directly with airlines or at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, up to $750 total in redemptions per year.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers bonus rewards on purchases made at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and in other useful everyday spending categories, for a $0 annual fee. You'll also earn automatic Silver status and the perks that come with it.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 spent at qualifying Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 2 points per $1 spent on grocery store purchases, rideshare purchases, select food delivery, select streaming, internet, cable and phone services; and 1 point on other purchases.
The automatic Silver status benefit includes perks like priority late checkout, a 10% point bonus on stays, free Wi-Fi and more.
Receive 5 Elite Night Credits every calendar year.
Welcome offer: Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.
No foreign transaction fees.
Limited blackout dates may apply, depending on the property.
No intro APR offer.
Point values are lower than they are in other hotel award programs.
No annual free night, as you might find on cards with annual fees.
Our pick for: Simple rewards + matching bonus
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. You could turn 35,000 Miles into 70,000 Miles.
- Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
- No annual fee
- Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% - 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
- Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The $0-annual-fee Discover it® Miles offers simple flat-rate rewards and introductory incentives, and it also allows you to redeem miles for cash back with no loss in value.
Rewards: Earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all purchases.
UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. You could turn 35,000 Miles into 70,000 Miles.
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 18.24%-27.24% Variable APR.
Redeem miles for cash back or a statement credit toward your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
No foreign transaction fee.
Discover's acceptance is limited internationally.
Other credit cards can offer elevated rewards in specific spending categories.
Our pick for: Hilton points
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and a $100 Statement Credit after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express® Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 8/13/2025.
- Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- No Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
If you primarily stay at Hiltons, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is a good choice, as it earns bonus rewards on stays and in common everyday categories. You also get automatic Hilton Honors™ Silver status, and the annual fee is $0. Terms apply.
Rewards: Earn 7 Hilton Honors bonus points per $1 spent directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Honors portfolio of brands; 5 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations; and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and a $100 Statement Credit after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express® Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 8/13/2025. Terms Apply.
Receive automatic Hilton Honors™ Silver status, which unlocks a 20% bonus on base points earned on every stay, among other benefits.
No foreign transaction fee.
Terms apply.
Point values are lower compared with several other award programs.
No intro APR period.
No annual complimentary night, as you might find on cards with annual fees.
As an American Express card, acceptance abroad may be limited.
Terms apply.
Our pick for: Customization and flexibility
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 30,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
- Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
- No Annual Fee
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The reward rates on the Citi Strata℠ Card are generous for a $0-annual-fee card, and one of its bonus categories is a "self-select" option, affording you some customization. In addition, you can transfer your rewards to many of Citi's travel partners.
Rewards: 5 ThankYou points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on cititravel.com; 3 points per $1 spent at supermarkets, on select transit purchases and at gas and EV charging stations; 3 points per $1 spent on an eligible self-select category of your choice (including fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barbershops/hair salons and pet supply stores); 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants; and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn 30,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR.
You have a variety of redemption options, but booking travel through Citi may be the most ideal, giving you a value of 1 cent per point.
It’s possible to transfer miles to partners.
There's a foreign transaction fee, which isn't ideal for international travel.
Some redemption options offer poor value. If you redeem for cash back, for example, points are worth only 0.5 cent each.
Point transfer ratios to Citi partners aren't as favorable as they are with more expensive Citi cards, and unlike those higher-end cards, this one doesn't feature American Airlines as a transfer option.
Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
NerdWallet's take
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card earns simple ongoing rewards and a chance at a higher rewards rate when you book travel through Bank of America® Travel, and its annual fee is $0. That aside, you can use the card’s introductory incentives to defray the cost of travel or a large purchase.
Rewards: Earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all purchases.
Qelcome offer: 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24%-28.24% will apply.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for dining purchases, flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, and baggage fees.
Earn up to 75% more points if you’re a Bank of America® Preferred Rewards client.
No foreign transaction fee.
Other credit cards can offer elevated rewards in specific spending categories.
Our pick for: Choice Hotels points
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
- Earn 5X points on stays at participating Choice Hotels® properties.
- Earn 3X points on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores and on phone plan services. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- Up to $800 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Receive 10 Elite night credits qualifying for at least Gold level status each calendar year.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
If you're partial to the affordable, family-friendly brands in the Choice Hotels portfolio, the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® can offer value on your purchases and stretch your travel further, all for an annual fee of $0.
Rewards: 5 points per $1 spent on stays at participating Choice Hotels; 3 points per $1 spent at gas stations, grocery stores and home improvement stores, as well as on phone plans; and 1 point per $1 elsewhere.
Receive 10 Elite night credits every year, allowing you to qualify for at least Gold level status and the perks that come with it.
Welcome offer: Limited Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - enough to redeem for up to 7 reward nights at select Choice Hotels® properties. Additional fees may apply.
No foreign transaction fees apply.
No intro APR offer.
Point values are lower than they are in other hotel award programs.
No annual free night, as you might find on cards with annual fees.
Our pick for: JetBlue points
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
- Earn 3X points on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1X points on all other purchases.
- Points awarded in your TrueBlue account don't expire.
- 50% inflight savings on beverages and meals.
- No foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
- No blackout dates. Redeem for any seat, any time on Jet-Blue operated flights.
NerdWallet's take
If JetBlue is the only way you fly, the JetBlue Card earns easy rewards on everyday purchases in addition to airfare. And you won’t have to worry about blackout dates once you’re ready to redeem them. You also won't have to worry about an annual fee.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on JetBlue purchases; 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants and grocery stores; and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
0% introductory APR on Balance Transfers for 12 billing cycles, then an ongoing APR of 20.24%-29.99%, Variable APR.
Enjoy 50% in-flight savings on eligible purchases.
No foreign transaction fee.
No free checked bags or priority boarding, as you might find on cards with annual fees.
Our pick for: Best Western rewards
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn up to 40,000 bonus points with qualifying spend.
- No Annual Fee.
- Earn 4 points per $1 on Best Western stays and purchases.
- Earn 2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
- Automatic Gold Elite Status.
- Earn 10,000 bonus points by spending $5,000 during each cardmember year.
- When you pay your monthly wireless bill with your card, your cell phone will be protected for the next calendar month.
- When you book travel with your card, you'll receive up to $300 when you're stuck for more than twelve hours.
NerdWallet's take
Best Western enthusiasts can use the $0-annual-fee Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card to rack up perks and rewards on travel and everyday spending.
Rewards: Earn 14 points per $1 spent on Best Western stays (10 points as a Best Western Rewards member, 4 points with the card); 2 points per $1 spent on everything else.
Welcome offer: Bonus points offer of 10,000 to 40,000 points with qualifying spend. You’ll see your bonus points offer before you apply.
Earn 10,000 anniversary bonus points when you spend $5,000 in a year.
Receive automatic Gold status which gets you a 10% points bonus, early check-in and late checkout, and more.
No foreign transaction fee.
Point values are lower than they are in several other award programs.
No intro APR offer.
No free automatic award night, as you might find on cards with annual fees.
Full list of editorial picks: Best no-annual-fee travel cards
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
FOR GENERAL PURPOSE TRAVEL REWARDS
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
Our pick for: All-around rewards
The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.
Citi Strata℠ Card
Our pick for: Customization + flexibility
The $0-annual-fee Citi Strata℠ Card can be a rewarding everyday-use choice, with elevated rates on supermarkets, gas stations and other spending. It also features a "self-select" bonus category and access to most of Citi's travel partners, giving you some optionality. But point values are low for cash back, so it's best for those seeking a travel card without an annual cost. Read our review.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards
One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
Our pick for: Rewards on rent payments
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. (See rates and fees.) Read our review.
Discover it® Miles
Our pick for: Simple rewards + matching bonus
The Discover it® Miles is the rare travel credit card that lets you redeem your rewards for travel or for cash back at the same rate. (Also rare among travel cards is its intro APR period for balance transfers.) You earn unlimited 1.5 miles per dollar spent on purchases, and the miles are generally worth 1 cent apiece — that's a solid rate for a card with no annual fee. As with other Discover cards, this one matches the rewards you earn in your first year. Read our review.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost
Our pick for: Capital One miles
With the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost, you don't pay an annual fee, but you also don't get rewards as rich as those on the regular Venture card (see rates and fees). Still, the bonus offer makes this a solid card for starting out with travel rewards. Read our review.
FOR AIRLINE TRAVEL
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®
Our pick for: AAdvantage miles
For occasional but loyal American Airlines flyers, the no-annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® is a cost-effective way to earn not only miles but also credit toward elite frequent-flyer status. Read our review.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Our pick for: Delta miles
To unlock the most valuable perks of airline credit cards, you'll have to pay an annual fee. But if you're a leisure traveler just hoping to earn airline miles in the background, it's hard to do better than the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. Read our review.
The New United Gateway℠ Card
Our pick for: United miles
This entry-level card gives occasional leisure flyers who prefer United Airlines a way to try out an airline credit card for free. Unlike a lot of cards in its class, it won't cost anything to carry, even if you seldom use it. It lacks certain valuable airline-card perks, such as early boarding — although a checked-bag benefit is possible if you spend enough. Read our review.
JetBlue Card
Our pick for: JetBlue points
With the JetBlue Card, you can earn easy rewards on everyday purchases in addition to airfare. And you won’t have to worry about blackout dates once you’re ready to redeem them. Read our review.
FOR HOTEL REWARDS
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Our pick for: Marriott points
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers bonus rewards not only on purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, but also on other useful spending categories. Plus, you'll earn automatic Silver status and the valuable perks that come with it. Read our review.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Our pick for: Hilton points
The Hilton Honors American Express Card earns bonus rewards on Hilton stays and in common everyday categories. You also get automatic Hilton Honors™ Silver status. Terms apply. Read our review.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Our pick for: IHG points
The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card earns rewards quickly on IHG hotel stays and eligible everyday purchases. Read our review.
Choice Privileges® Mastercard®
Our pick for: Choice Hotels
The Choice Privileges® Mastercard® earns a fairly high rate on stays at Choice Hotels, as well as on major everyday spending categories. It's a solid choice if you're a Choice loyalist, but a general-purpose travel card offers more flexibility. Read our review.
Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card
Our pick for: Wyndham points
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card rewards you well for Wyndham stays, while also earning bonus points in some popular everyday categories. It offers Gold status and a way to earn a free night each year if you spend enough, all for a $0 annual fee. Read our review.
Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Best Western rewards
The Best Western Rewards® Visa Signature® Card offers solid rewards you can redeem for stays and a variety of other options. With automatic Gold status, you also get additional perks. Read our review.
One Key™ Card
Our pick for: Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
The One Key™ Card offers good value, and even a few solid travel perks, for a $0 annual fee. You'll earn bonus rewards on bookings within the One Key rewards program — which includes Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo — but you can also snag elevated rates on some everyday spending.
Ask our credit card experts
Melissa Lambarena
Melissa LambarenaWHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
The annual fee has to be easy to make up with the card’s perks and rewards. It can’t take a lot of brain power or planning for me. As long as I’m not required to jump through hoops and overspend for the card to pay for itself, I’m open to a higher annual fee.
Melissa Lambarena
Senior Writer & Content Strategist
Kenley Young
Kenley YoungWHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
I think once an annual fee exceeds $95 — which is more or less the mass-market standard on a travel card — you need to be prepared to do some math to ensure you're getting a deal.
Kenley Young
Managing Editor
Craig Joseph
Craig JosephWHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
Oftentimes a big sign-up bonus can negate the annual fee for multiple years, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a card without much out-of-pocket expense.
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer
Sally French
Sally FrenchWHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
I pay more than $1,000 in annual fees on credit cards, so my line is, uh, not exactly low. Maybe this is obvious, but if you can't justify the benefits with ease, then don't keep the card open. And the ability to justify those benefits varies by not just person, but the stage of your life. A credit card with automatic elite status and free hotel night certificates might make sense the year you're having your honeymoon, but not the year you're raising infants. The second you start to get anxiety about using the benefits (as opposed to being thankful for all your upgrades and other VIP perks) is the second you should drop that card.
Sally French
Lead Writer/Spokesperson
WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
The annual fee has to be easy to make up with the card’s perks and rewards. It can’t take a lot of brain power or planning for me. As long as I’m not required to jump through hoops and overspend for the card to pay for itself, I’m open to a higher annual fee.
Melissa Lambarena
Senior Writer & Content Strategist
WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
I think once an annual fee exceeds $95 — which is more or less the mass-market standard on a travel card — you need to be prepared to do some math to ensure you're getting a deal.
Kenley Young
Managing Editor
WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
Oftentimes a big sign-up bonus can negate the annual fee for multiple years, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a card without much out-of-pocket expense.
Craig Joseph
Lead Writer
WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE ON PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE?
I pay more than $1,000 in annual fees on credit cards, so my line is, uh, not exactly low. Maybe this is obvious, but if you can't justify the benefits with ease, then don't keep the card open. And the ability to justify those benefits varies by not just person, but the stage of your life. A credit card with automatic elite status and free hotel night certificates might make sense the year you're having your honeymoon, but not the year you're raising infants. The second you start to get anxiety about using the benefits (as opposed to being thankful for all your upgrades and other VIP perks) is the second you should drop that card.
Sally French
Lead Writer/Spokesperson
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
